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NBA Picks

NBA Picks Hawks vs. 76ers

The Sixers have been pretty horrible at home this season overall, but tonight they have a shot at a win, as the NBA Odds have them as +4 ½ underdogs to the Hawks.

There is some very important injury info that isn’t out yet, however when the
news does break it will either make or break this play. So with that in mind,
keep an eye on Twitter and other news sites for this one, because our NBA pick on
the game depends on it.

To Teague or not to Teague

The
Hawks’ point guard, Jeff Teague doesn’t get a lot of credit for his play, but
without him for the last three games, the Hawks are 1-2 SU and 2-1 ATS. While
this is far from a big enough sample size, the Hawks are already without Al
Horford, and this team isn’t better than anyone if Teague sits too. If Teague
misses again tonight, then the play is almost certainly on the home underdogs,
the Sixers. However if Teague plays, I think we have to lay off this game
entirely. He reportedly did travel with the team to Philadelphia.

The
Sixers have gone 7-16 ATS this season when playing at home, but the Hawks
haven’t been great on the road either. Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in their last six
road games, and 4-10 SU in their last 14 games away from home. Even though the
Sixers haven’t played great defense overall, recently it’s gotten better, and I
don’t think even a team like the Hawks can cover -4 ½ tonight. As long as
Teague sits, I see the play being on the Sixers.

The Sharp Pick

In their
last ten games, the Sixers are giving up an average six points less than their
huge season average points allowed. Although it really didn’t have too much to
do with their overall defense improving, it is at least an encouraging sign
from this young and promising team. They will have to hold the Hawks to under
100 points in order to win this game outright, but covering the +4 ½ in NBA odds shouldn’t be
that hard as long as Teague is out.

The
Hawks are only 6-8 ATS on the road against the Eastern Conference this season,
and if Teague sits again I could see the Hawks losing their 9th
conference road game ATS. Even though Atlanta smothered the Sixers in their
meeting in the middle of November, both Horford and Teague played in that game.

Even
though the Hawks have covered four of their last six overall meetings with
Philadelphia, the Sixers are 4-1 SU in their last five games against the Hawks
in Philly. If they can get their offense firing on all cylinders tonight, then
the Sixers have a chance of not only covering, but winning SU as well. This may
be one of the only times Philadelphia has a size advantage over their opponent
as well.

However
I cannot stress enough that if Teague plays, this turns into a no play, so do
not do anything until you confirm his status is out. Teague is worth far too
much to the spread and eventual outcome of this game if he plays. An announcement
of him starting would have sportsbooks spiking the line up at least a full point, and I personally
believe he is a little more important than that. The Sixers can hang with
Atlanta without him, but if he plays it could be a blowout in favor of the
Hawks. The Sixers are only 5-15 ATS this season as home underdogs, so this play
is risky as it is.